Paul was taken to hospital in Nassau but died from his injuries five days later.

In floods of tears Mrs Gallagher looked directly at the three defendants, James Bain, Clifford Nottage and Evangeless Williamson, and said: "It was their boat and they drove it, they owned it, and it killed my son.

"I am sorry, but that is what happened."

Boat driver Bain and owners Nottage and Williamson are all accused of manslaughter through negligence.

Charges were brought only after a lengthy campaign by the British couple who were determined to see justice for their son.

Williamson, who co- owned the boating firm Paradise Ocean Sports, has also been charged with perjury.

Bain had no skipper’s licence and tested positive for cannabis after the tragedy.

All three men have denied the charges of causing Paul’s death and face five years in prison if convicted.